Sick-role susceptibility. A commentary on the contemporary data base (1989-1991) and classification system.

A brief review of the historical and current status of the 'sick-role' concept is followed by an extensive literature survey of 526 articles published on the sick role since 1989. The commentary discusses measurement and research issues and then examined the areas of enquiry and trends from a biological, psychological, social and cultural perspective. Questions are raised about the significance of the data base from the view-point of classification and treatment. A descriptive and therapeutic model is proposed.